On 5 and 6 December 2024, the French UDICE consortium visited the Netherlands to strengthen ties between our two countries in higher education, science and innovation.
The visit follows up on President Macron's 2023 visit, where a Pact for innovation and sustainable growth was signed.
On the first day of the visit, a high-level dinner took place at the French Embassy where President Margrethe Jonkman represented VU Amsterdam. The importance of a stronger Europe was addressed, as well as the role of universities to contribute to reciprocal mobility of students and early-stage researchers. A result is that a Franco-Dutch Presidents of Universities-Circle will be formed, to discuss and bring forward joint ambitions. With stronger ties, universities can also make their voices better heard within Europe.
On Friday 6 December, the delegation visited VU Amsterdam, and together with representatives of the University of Amsterdam and the Amsterdam University of applied sciences, the importance of European University Alliances for building a stronger European academic ecosystem was underlined. The delegation also explored new ways for universities to engage with society more effectively.
Overall, the visit was highly productive, fostering deeper ties and paving the way for impactful collaboration.